By MariJane Lopez-Taff–
When I introduced my theme for the year, Service, I shared that service is not limited to a title or position. It is a mindset. It is the daily choice to care for our community, to contribute where we can, and to leave things better than we find them. March is a natural time to reflect on that commitment. As we head into spring, we are reminded that renewal does not happen by accident. It happens when neighbors show up for one another.
Through active stewardship of our public spaces, we strengthen the community infrastructure that supports daily life and advance a shared sense of pride in Citrus Heights. Thanks to the continued momentum of the Citrus Heights Cares campaign, we are seeing visible progress across the city. Cleaner corridors, improved rights of way, neighborhood clean ups, and stronger maintenance in City-owned areas reflect what is possible when residents, businesses, volunteers, and the City work together.
Programs like Adopt-A-Trail offer a simple and meaningful way to get involved. Residents can choose a portion of the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail or the Old Auburn Multi-Use Trail and help by picking up litter, clearing debris, and reporting issues such as graffiti or broken lights. Volunteers can sign up through the City’s Volunteer Hub and pick up a Chip-In Starter Kit at City Hall, which includes basic tools and safety items to get started.
Participation is flexible and designed to fit your schedule. Beyond keeping our trails clean and safe, volunteers build neighborhood pride, strengthen connections, and contribute to the overall quality of life in our community.
Another powerful expression of service is our participation in the Big Day of Service. For those who may not be familiar, this is a coordinated, community-wide volunteer event that brings together residents, nonprofits, schools, businesses, faith groups, and neighborhood leaders for one focused day of hands-on projects throughout the city. Community members can volunteer for an existing project or propose a project of their own.
Projects may include neighborhood clean ups, park and trail improvements, landscaping, painting, assisting local nonprofits, or enhancing community gathering spaces. The goal is to complete tangible improvements in a single day while strengthening relationships across our city.
Last year marked our first year participating, and the results were heartwarming. Volunteers of all ages stepped up. Projects were completed across multiple neighborhoods. New partnerships were formed. The pride in our community was clear.
As we enter our second year, we are calling for project ideas and volunteers. If you have a community project you would like to explore, whether it is a beautification effort or an idea that strengthens connection in your neighborhood, I encourage you to reach out.
Please email me directly at [email protected] so we can discuss how your idea might become part of this year’s Big Day of Service or another community initiative. Service strengthens infrastructure. Service supports community pride. Service moves Citrus Heights forward.
I look forward to serving alongside you.
With appreciation,
Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff
*Please note that this is not City-produced or City-sponsored material, but rather correspondence directly from the Mayor.
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